Residents are encouraged to remember the “Three Ps” during a freeze: Pipes, Pets and Plants
- Pipes: Frozen pipes are among the most expensive winter-related home issues. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst, leading to costly water damage. To help prevent this: Let a faucet drip slightly during freezing temperatures. Choose the faucet farthest from where water enters your home. In larger or older homes, consider dripping faucets on multiple sides of the house. A slow drip is all it takes to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing. Residents and business owners who have backflow preventers on their properties for water lines, fire lines, irrigation systems and swimming pools need to protect their backflow preventers from freezing as well. Extended freezes can burst the body of the backflow assembly, rendering it useless. Wrap these pipes with insulation materials made especially for this purpose. These materials can be found in most hardware stores or home improvement centers. If the device and the water line are not in use at this time (i.e., irrigation system or swimming pool lines), shut off the water supply line and drain the backflow device.
- Pets: Cold weather can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous, for pets. When temperatures dip, bring pets indoors whenever possible. For short outdoor trips, consider pet sweaters or jackets, especially for smaller animals or breeds not accustomed to cold temperatures.
- Plants: Florida plants are not built for freezing temperatures. When possible, bring potted plants indoors. For plants that must stay outside, cover them before temperatures drop. One helpful tip many homeowners overlook: water plants ahead of a freeze. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, which can help protect roots from cold damage.